Hank Aaron throws out first pitch at SunTrust Park (video)

The Atlanta Braves opened their new home on Friday night, and Hank Aaron threw out the first pitch.

The Atlanta Braves officially started a new era for the franchise on Friday night, with their first game at SunTrust Park against the San Diego Padres. A list of franchise legends were there to have their retired numbers unveiled around the stadium before the game, but there was one obvious choice to throw out the first pitch.

Hank Aaron played 21 of his 23 major league seasons for the Braves, in Milwaukee and Atlanta, and he retired as the all-time home run leader with 755 (733 in a Braves uniform). Even at 83 years old, Aaron is still one of the most recognizable names and faces in Braves’ history and basball as a whole. The crowd at SunTrust Park offered an enthusiastic and warm reception upon his arrival to the field.

Then, former Braves’ manager Bobby Cox took a position near home plate to receive Aaron’s ceremonial first pitch.

Next: Fantasy Baseball: 25 players you need to add

Surely Tom Glavine, John Smoltz or Chipper Jones, who were among those who joined Aaron on the field, could have thrown a better quality first pitch as the Braves christened their new home. But this occasion was not about aesthetics in any way, shape or form. Aaron had to be the first and only choice to throw the first pitch at opening night of the new park in Atlanta, with only his refusal or poor health preventing it. But “Hammerin Hank” again delivered for the fans, big time.